He observed that the model being sold today is totally out of date and hasn't adapted to the needs or preferences of current demand. "The tourism model we have was designed for the customer of the 1970s; that customer has changed." He argued that the tourism industry cannot impose a particular model on customers, as they are "sovereign". "We must listen and hear what they want". In his view, "sun and beach tourism is not what people are looking for today, what they are looking for is to have an experience".
He added that problems with tourist overcrowding this summer reflect how far the islands currently are from achieving a model of sustainability to which they should aspire. This in turn results in social disaffection with the tourism industry. "It is not tourism that must be made sustainable, it is our lives, which today are not. But it also has to be socially and economically sustainable."
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Actually, what many want is the combination of an "experience" and sun and beaches. Which makes the insanity of the government closing down beach bars and restaurants all the more incomprehensible.
Steve PickeringI agree with parts of this article, particularly the part about listening to tourists and adapting to their interests and needs. This rather goes without saying. However, not all tourists are British. It's one special type of tourist, but despite the frequent characterisation of British tourism as the largest and best, if you compare it to "everyone else", it's about 20-25% of tourism overall, and amongst the most challenging to satisfy, while being amongst the most price sensitive. And therefore, the statement "sun and beach tourism is not what people are looking for today, what they are looking for is to have an experience" is far more accurate than you might realise, because you're not "everybody else". And even if it's not of interest to you, "everybody else" don't necessarily seek the same thing as Brits. In fact, "everybody else" often seek a completely different experience. And, as anyone can see, there's little evidence of failure in Mallorca tourism. It's still booming. With or without Brits.
"sun and beach tourism is not what people are looking for today, what they are looking for is to have an experience". Sorry mate but most UK families are looking for "Sun and Beach", after a winter of cold temperatures and being stuck indoors.